New strip mall development planned near Miller Hill Mall

By
KBJR News 1

January 29, 2014Updated Jan 29, 2014 at 10:14 AM CST

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com)--- Just across the street from the Miller Hill Mall could soon be home to Platinum Plaza, a 24,000 square foot strip mall development that has been in the works for the last year.

The $5 million dollar project could house up to fifteen new businesses.

"we're working with some fast casual food companies, obviously we're working with some spa, we're working with a mattress store and the list goes on," said developer Stevie Paulson.

Paulson says no leases have been signed yet from potential tenants, but letters of intent are in place. Many of the tenants are national chains or franchises that would be new to Duluth. New businesses.... bringing in new jobs.

"construction you're probably looking at 50 to 75 jobs and when the project is completed you're probably looking at 85 to 100 jobs, some of those jobs will be high paying jobs as well," said Paulson.

The city has been working with the developers for months. Chris Eng, Director of Business and Economic Development says they are just waiting on the developers so the city can begin the permitting process.

"they are working with their tenants to sign the leases and as soon as they tell us their ready to go, we're ready to start moving forward," said Eng.

Eng says the city is excited for the development and the ability to enhance the retail experience for shoppers in Duluth and the surrounding area.

"this development brings a lot of opportunities for the city of Duluth and we're gonna hopefully be seeing more of these retail opportunities in the near future," said Eng.

If all goes as planned, the developers would like to break ground on Platinum Plaza in May and hope to have the mall fully up and running by Christmas.

The developers recently completed phase one of three on another four million dollar development in Hermantown called Sugar Maple Crossing.